Moving from Springfield, MA to Memphis, TN
The drive from Springfield, MA to Memphis, TN runs 1232 mi β about 23h 27m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1232 mi Β· 23h 27m by car Β· TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 40, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Allentown, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Memphis and Springfield is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Memphis is 4.0% below Springfield β $294,613 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 54.9" |
Climate warms by 14.0Β°F on the annual average β 49.4Β°F β 63.4Β°F.
Memphis averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.47 |
Median household incomes in Springfield ($51,339) and Memphis ($51,211) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Memphis more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 4.0% lower than Springfield (92.179 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 50.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Memphis, TN from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 1232 mi and the route typically takes 23h 27m via I 81 and I 40. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 0.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1232 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Memphis, TN.